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marcha

MAR-chahˈmartʃa

walk, pace

Also: stroll
NounfA1
A simple illustration of a person walking briskly along a sunny path, indicating the act of walking.

📝 In Action

La marcha del ejército era lenta y coordinada.

A2

The army's walk/pace was slow and coordinated.

Después de un largo día, regresamos a casa en marcha rápida.

B1

After a long day, we returned home at a quick pace.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • marcha atrás – reverse gear, backward movement
  • marcha forzada – forced march

Idioms & Expressions

  • ponerse en marcha – to set off, to get started

gear

Also: speed
NounfA2
A close-up illustration of two large, interlocking metal gear wheels meshing together smoothly.

📝 In Action

El coche no arranca si no pones la primera marcha.

A2

The car won't start if you don't put it in first gear.

Tuvo que meter la quinta marcha para adelantar al camión.

B1

He had to put it in fifth gear to pass the truck.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • cambio de marcha – gear change
  • marcha muerta – neutral gear (or idling)

operation, functioning

Also: progress
NounfB1
An illustration showing a simple, functioning assembly line where a box is smoothly moving along a conveyor belt, representing an operation.

📝 In Action

El plan de construcción ya está en marcha.

B1

The construction plan is already underway/operational.

Necesitamos garantizar la buena marcha del negocio.

C1

We need to guarantee the smooth running/operation of the business.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • en marcha – in operation, underway
  • puesta en marcha – start-up, implementation

protest, demonstration

Also: rally
NounfB2
An illustration of a determined group of diverse people marching forward together in a unified line, symbolizing a protest.

📝 In Action

Miles de personas asistieron a la marcha por el clima.

B2

Thousands of people attended the climate protest.

La policía desvió el tráfico debido a la marcha de estudiantes.

C1

The police diverted traffic due to the student demonstration.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • manifestación (demonstration)
  • protesta (protest)

Common Collocations

  • convocar una marcha – to call for a protest

nightlife, vibe

Also: buzz
NounfC1informal
Spain
A vibrant illustration of several stylized people dancing energetically under colorful, dim club lights, representing nightlife.

📝 In Action

Este barrio tiene mucha marcha, siempre hay bares abiertos.

B2

This neighborhood has a lot of nightlife/buzz, there are always bars open.

Nos fuimos de marcha hasta las tres de la mañana.

C1

We went out partying until three in the morning.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • ir de marcha – to go out (partying)
  • tener marcha – to be energetic/lively

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: marcha

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'marcha' is most likely being used in the sentence: 'Pusimos la música en marcha y el baile empezó.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
marchar(to walk, to function, to leave) — Verb
marchoso/a(lively, fun-loving (often Spain)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
parchacharca
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'marcha' comes from the Old French 'marche,' meaning 'a track' or 'boundary.' It originated in Germanic languages, relating to movement and marking distance, which is why it can refer to walking, pace, and even setting boundaries (like protest marches).

First recorded: Medieval period (Old French usage)

Cognates (Related words)

French: marcheItalian: marcia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'marcha' and 'caminata'?

'Marcha' usually refers to the speed, pace, or the movement itself (like a military march or a car's gear). 'Caminata' specifically means a long walk or a hike for pleasure or exercise.

How do I say 'reverse gear'?

The specific phrase is 'marcha atrás' (literally, backward movement or gear). You would typically say 'meter la marcha atrás' to put the car in reverse.